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Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Manila

We actually had a different church planned for this day, but because we got home later than usual the night before (around 10:30pm?), we decided to go to mass in the afternoon. The church that we were supposed to visit for that weekend didn’t have afternoon mass schedules, so we ended up going here.

I’ve actually been to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish before for Visita Iglesia and for my nephew’s baptism. Our visit last week was the first time I’ve been there with Patrich, and something special actually happened. We had a small misunderstanding from the night before (I don’t actually remember what it’s about anymore), and more than ever, I was praying to the Lord to bless us and our relationship before the mass. Almost a few moments later, as I sat back down, and a lady approached me and asked if Pat and I could offer the host and the wine for the Eucharist during Offertory. I said, ‘yes,’ of course, and we were asked to sit near the small table where the host and the wine was placed. During the Offertory, he carried the host, while I carried the wine, and we walked down the aisle to meet the priest. As we handed the Offertory gifts to him, he blessed us. He also blessed ‘our family’ (NOTE: not our families), as he probably thought we were married. We received the blessing gladly, anyway. We had a good laugh about it a bit afterwards. A blessing to our relationship, indeed. Haha!

Anyway, on to the pictures. (WARNING: Lots of pictures ahead!):

It’s one of the largest parishes in Quezon City, I think, in terms of land area. The largest I’ve seen so far is Sto. Domingo. The structure of the church itself reminds me of Sto. Domingo Parish — large stained glass windows along each side, and two ‘wings’ on both sides near the altar.

On the rightmost side of the church itself, there is an area where various images of the Blessed Family, Mother Mary, and several other saints stand. On this same stand, people can also light candles for petitions.

Outside the church, on the right side towards the back, is the St. Joseph Building. This is where the baptism halls are, along with a religious store, and I think rooms for parish activities and parish offices. On the left side, there’s a monument marker dedicated for the unborn, and right beside it is a gated stairway leading to the crypt and the multi-purpose halls. The church actually has a large space dedicated for parking, but it’s easily filled up.

Also, it’s a Pilgrimage Church! Go visit while it’s the Year of Faith!